Every Religious Trick in the Book!

Me and Eric Bramlett

Bob, Kim, Gary, Erin and myself just returned from a two day Multi-Site Practicum at Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Community Christian has 19 services at 8 different locations in the Chicago area. This past weekend they launched their latest site in Pilson, the second largest Hispanic community in the United States. They have been doing multi-site ministry since 1998 and are considered one of the pioneers in the movement.

Religious tricks? Is it possible?

• Three things you need to know about church growth they say.
• Do this and you too can have growth in your church.
• Double your attendance in just three easy steps!

In 1 Kings 18 Elijah is battling the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The pagan prophets were losing the battle because their god wasn't answering their prayers. So...

...they used every religious trick and strategy they knew to make something happen on the altar [think church], but nothing happened - not so much as a whisper, not a flicker of response.
1 Kings 18 The Message

We learned at this conference that leadership development is job one. There are no shortcuts to disciplemaking. You make disciples by uh, making disciples. There are no tricks! And, without the Holy Spirit working in the process you can try all the latest gimmicks of doing church and you'll wind up with the same result as the prophets of Baal - but nothing happened.

It was a great conference and we were inspired in many ways, challenged in others, and forced to think out of the box all the while and I am AMPED about it! Stay tuned for more!

Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age. Matt 28:18-20 The Message